Effective threat management begins with a cup of coffee
By Brian Uridge, CTM, CHPA, CPP, MPA
People in stressful or desperate situations say and do things they would not ordinarily say and do. Some may even make threats of violence, but do they really pose a threat? Answering that question is the work of Threat Assessment and Management (TAM), a dynamic, information-driven process focused on behaviors of concern raising issues of safety within an organization (which I have written about previously here). The value of TAM is in its compassionate approach, where a team works together to support the target of the concerning behaviors and help restore feelings of safety, and get resources to the one who is contemplating violence.
For this to be possible, threat assessment cannot be the work of a siloed “security team.” A multidisciplinary approach is essential to effectively interrupt the pathway of intended violence and get all stakeholders the help they need.
Getting the right people to the table
The Multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Process is built upon collaboration and strategic partnerships to provide a mechanism that assures that threats of violence are addressed whenever possible before acts of violence occur through proper documentation, effective management, and ongoing follow-up. This multidisciplinary holistic approach ensures interventions are not only effective but also compassionate, addressing the root causes of troubling behavior while protecting public safety.
This is a relationship-based approach to public safety, and relies on mutual respect, trust, and clear, shared procedures and protocols between members of the multidisciplinary assessment team. An effective team cannot be cobbled together as a crisis situation is unfolding. It must be built over a cup of coffee, not in the heat of the moment.
Here’s how to develop multidisciplinary relationships that make a threat assessment team effective in a time of crisis.
First, consider the stakeholders that need to be represented on this team. This may include:
Human Resources department
Mental health professionals
Subject matter experts
Local law enforcement
Healthcare Equity Administration
Clinical Services
Ad Hoc Members as needed: Regulatory, Technology, Occupational Health, External Advisors, Emergency Response Personnel, Department Leader of the area involved
Next, sit down with each stakeholder representative (perhaps over a cup of coffee) to learn about one another, each of you sharing your strengths and areas of expertise. Consider together any gaps in knowledge within the current team or stakeholders who are missing from the table and continue to build the team together.
Then, work together to develop working policies and procedures that meet the needs of every part of the community.
Establish protocols and reporting mechanisms. Understand each person’s expertise so you know who to call in any particular potential threat.
Develop a system for gathering information to determine where a potential threat is on the pathway to violence. Determine your threshold for intervention.
Decide how the process will be documented and who has access to those files.
Engage in training to understand the Structured Professional Judgement Tools. Determining the credibility of a threat can be a complex undertaking and should be done in a multidisciplinary way, supported by comprehensive training in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) assessment strategies and best practices.
Most importantly, don’t stop meeting just because there isn’t a live crisis. The multidisciplinary team should determine at what intervals they will meet together, and keep to that schedule regardless of whether there is a pressing safety matter to attend to. Even if a threat has not been made, the team should be working to identify people who are exhibiting concerning behaviors. Additionally, they need to work together to get information and resources to those within the organization. Make sure people know that the team exists, what its mission is, and how it can help them.
Threat assessment teams are not merely trying to make arrests or eliminate dangerous actors, but rather to uphold the safety of all stakeholders while getting struggling people the help they need. Organizations should not make assessments or decisions about safety in a vacuum. Working together as a team across disciplines and areas of expertise is the most effective way to support those who need it most and maintain the safety of every part of the community.
Do you have questions about how to develop a multidisciplinary team that works for your organization’s unique needs? I can help.